Kansas Preview: Big East Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the next few weeks, I'll be taking a deep dive into each basketball league across the state of Kansas, sharing my personal insights and opinions as we get closer to tip-off. With the season fast approaching, it's the perfect time to break down teams, players, and storylines to watch. Stay tuned as I go league by league, highlighting what makes each one unique and what to expect this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I preview the upcoming Big East season with in-depth team predictions — spotlighting a sleeper team, breaking down the top contenders, naming my pick to win the conference, unveiling my “Top 5” All-Conference selections, and projecting the Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleeper - Hiawatha</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A team to keep an eye on in the Big East this season is Hiawatha. With a solid foundation returning, they bring back two key contributors in Ethan Morton and Michael Jensen, both of whom have the experience and skill to make a significant impact. Morton and Jensen form a strong backcourt duo, capable of scoring in bunches while also facilitating offense for their teammates. Their guard play will be the engine that drives this team, and if they take the next step in their development, Hiawatha could emerge as a real contender in league play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Contenders - Perry-Lecompton, St. Marys, Silver Lake</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perry-Lecompton was a middle-of-the-pack team in the league last season, but they showed flashes of potential in several competitive games. With standout [player_tooltip player_id='2403150' first='Ronnie' last='Baker'] returning after a strong junior campaign, the Kaws are poised to take a significant step forward. Baker's leadership and playmaking should elevate this group, and I expect Perry-Lecompton to be firmly in the mix throughout the league race. If they can close games more consistently, they'll have a real shot to finish among the league's top teams by season's end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite losing several key contributors, St. Marys returns one of the league's top talents in senior guard Ben DeVader. Coming off a strong junior season, DeVader had an impressive summer, further proving his ability to score efficiently at all three levels — especially from beyond the arc, where he stands out as a consistent threat. The team also brings back Zach Sommars, whose combination of experience, size, and athleticism positions him to play a major role on both ends of the court this season. I believe St. Marys will be a true contender for the league title throughout the winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Silver Lake should be right there with Rossville at the top of the league once again this season. After finishing second last year and posting a 20-win campaign, I have the Eagles penciled in as the runner-up for the second consecutive season. While they'll have key roles to fill following the graduation of several seniors, [player_tooltip player_id='2403152' first='Dayne' last='Johnson'] returns as the heart and soul of this group. Coming off a standout junior year, Johnson is poised to take another leap and solidify himself as the top player in the league. If he continues on his current trajectory, Silver Lake will remain a serious contender come postseason time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Champion - Rossville</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs are my preseason favorites to win the Big East League. They return a significant portion of last year's core -- a team that was firmly in the title hunt. [player_tooltip player_id='1785100' first='Jack' last='Donovan'] is poised to build on an impressive junior campaign, where he scored at a high rate and showcased elite shooting from beyond the arc. [player_tooltip player_id='2403191' first='Cameron' last='Miller'] will look to continue his role as a dynamic, athletic scoring threat and the team's leading rebounder. Also returning is Jakoby McDonnell, an explosive and compact guard expected to make an even greater impact this season on both ends of the floor -- scoring, facilitating, and locking down defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Top 5 All-Conference Team</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2403150' first='Ronnie' last='Baker'] | 6'5" Forward | Perry-Lecompton</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Ben DeVader | 5'11" Guard | St. Marys</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2403152' first='Dayne' last='Johnson'] | 6'3" Wing | Silver Lake</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1785100' first='Jack' last='Donovan'] | 5'11" Guard | Rossville</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2403191' first='Cameron' last='Miller'] | 6'4" Forward | Rossville</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Player of the Year</em> -<em> [player_tooltip player_id='2403152' first='Dayne' last='Johnson'] | 6'3" Wing | Silver Lake</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dayne is coming off a breakout junior campaign in which he firmly established himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile scorers in the state. As the lead option for Silver Lake, Johnson embraced the role of primary playmaker and go-to scorer — a responsibility he'll carry into his senior season with even more confidence and polish. Offensively, Johnson is a three-level scorer with an impressive arsenal. He attacks the rim with explosiveness and physicality, often initiating contact and finishing through or over multiple defenders. In the mid-range, he's creative and poised — utilizing a soft floater, one-dribble pull-ups, and change-of-pace moves to get to his spots. Beyond the arc, he's a reliable perimeter shooter, capable of connecting both off the catch and off the dribble, making him difficult to game plan for defensively. What makes Johnson particularly tough to guard is his ability to score efficiently while reading defensive coverages, often punishing closeouts or collapsing defenders with quick decisions. As he continues to refine his game and take on a leadership role, he's primed for a massive senior season that could significantly elevate his recruiting stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->